By Kavita Mistry 
Emirates is set to become the world’s largest operator of Starlink-enabled wide-body aircraft, offering passengers free, high-speed inflight Wi-Fi on all Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. The move marks another milestone in Emirates’ long-standing strategy to deliver the most advanced onboard connectivity and comfort in the industry.
The airline’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777-300ER, registered A6-EPF, is currently showcased at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where visitors can experience Starlink’s ultra-fast inflight connectivity first-hand. The aircraft will re-enter commercial service immediately after the Airshow, operating Emirates’ first passenger flight with Starlink on 23 November 2025.
The rollout will progress rapidly, with Emirates fitting approximately 14 aircraft per month, beginning with the Boeing 777 fleet this November, and extending to its A380 fleet from February 2026. When completed by mid-2027, all 232 aircraft in service will feature Starlink connectivity.
The new system will allow passengers to stream content, play online games, make video calls, work, and browse social media with ground-like internet speeds. Connectivity will be available across all cabin classes — both through personal devices and on Emirates’ award-winning seatback entertainment systems — with no payment or Skywards membership required.
To ensure the highest connectivity standards, each Boeing 777 will feature two antennae, while every A380 will have an industry-first three-antenna configuration, maximising bandwidth and global coverage. Emirates will also launch Live TV streaming via Starlink, available on personal devices initially, and later on seatback screens from December 2025.
Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said,
“Partnering with Starlink is another defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers ‘fly better’. We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, transforming what passengers can expect from inflight connectivity – seamless productivity, real-time communication, and uninterrupted access to their digital lives.”
He added,
“This installation runs parallel with our most ambitious fleet refurbishment programme in aviation, which includes new Premium Economy cabins, refreshed First and Business Class suites, and upgraded entertainment systems. Emirates’ philosophy is simple: consistency. We want all our customers, across every route and aircraft, to experience our best product.”
Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, commented,
“With Starlink onboard Emirates flights, passengers can stream, game, and have video calls with the same ease as they do on the ground. We’re proud to partner with Emirates to deliver this breakthrough in aviation connectivity and support rapid, high-quality installations.”
The initiative represents another major enhancement to Emirates’ signature onboard experience, which already includes more than 6,500 entertainment channels, the A380 Onboard Lounge, and First Class Shower Spa.
The Starlink rollout coincides with Emirates’ retrofit programme — one of the most extensive in commercial aviation. To date, 76 fully refurbished aircraft have re-entered service, featuring new Premium Economy cabins, redesigned Business Class seating, and refreshed interiors across all cabin classes.
By combining fleet modernisation, upgraded inflight products, and advanced connectivity, Emirates is reinforcing its leadership in global aviation and redefining expectations for inflight experience.
